Knit Original Toe-Up Socks

Toe-up knitting is an ancient technique that's attracting new fans. Create your own sock design with different shaping and stitch patterns.

Say goodbye forever to the Kitchener stitch and embrace toe-up knitting, an ancient technique that's quickly gaining new fans. Donna shows you how to create your own sock design by combining different heels and toes with beautiful stitch patterns. Three bonus sock patterns are included. Warm and cozy and cute - that's what your feet will be when you put them in hand-knit socks. Inspired, happy and proud - that's how you'll feel when you're the one who knit them by hand. Ready, willing, and able - that's what Craftsy is when it comes to helping you knit socks from the toe up!

Lesson 16. Bonus: Reading Charts

"Oh my, every lesson is so packed with uselfull information that one needs to take a deep breath before starting.
The result: 3 pairs of custom fitted socks for hiking in the high mountains 5 hours daily for 2 weeks and NOT a single blister!" - SussuCopenhagen

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Lesson plan

10:55

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Donna Druchunas and find out all the reasons why toe-up sock knitting is a great technique.

15:26

Lesson 2. Anatomy of a Sock

Get to know your socks more intimately. Learn about cuffs, legs, heel flaps and turns, gussets, insteps and toes.

26:01

Lesson 3. Design Considerations

Learn all about construction choices, pattern stitches and all kinds of yarns to make your perfect pair of socks.

31:18

Lesson 4. Moccasin Toe

This toe-up method creates a six-stitch band that extends across the toe.

26:39

Lesson 5. Wedge Toe

Learn how to make the wedge-toe, a simple geometric toe.

28:33

Lesson 6. Short Row Toe

The short row toe uses the wrap-and-turn method of shaping. Learn how to decrease and increase in short rows.

39:28

Lesson 7. Afterthought Heels

Move on from toes to heels! The afterthought heel involves placing stitches on scrap yarn, then returning to work them later.

45:39

Lesson 8. Gusset Heels

Move on to a more complicated heel. Gusset heels involve a turn, a heel flap and some shaping for a smooth transition across the instep.

8:14

Lesson 9. Short Row Heels

Like the short row toe, this heel uses the wrap and turn method to shape a curved heel pocket.

42:49

Lesson 10. Sock Planning Worksheet

Donna goes over the worksheet and all the measurements and calculations you need to get perfect-fitting socks without trepidation.

25:05

Lesson 11. Knit Toe & Foot

Get started on your socks! Cast on, work your chosen toe, then work even until you're ready to begin your heel.

10:13

Lesson 12. Knit the Heel

Customize your socks using the heels you've just learned. Choose the gusset, afterthought or short row heel.

15:05

Lesson 13. Knit Leg & Cuff

The hard stuff is done! Now you'll learn add stretchy ribbing for the leg of your sock and make the cuff any size you need.

17:52

Lesson 14. Finishing

A stretchy bind-off and some tricks for invisible finishing wrap up your custom sock adventure.

17:24

Lesson 15. Bonus: Two Socks at Once

Use two circular needles to create both socks simultaneously, avoiding the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome.

25:20

Lesson 16. Bonus: Reading Charts

Donna Druchunas, Instructor of Knit Original Toe-Up Socks

Donna is an expert on ethnic patterns and techniques and is the author of six books, including Arctic Lace. She teaches workshops around the world on topics such as rug knitting, spinning and dyeing, Lithuanian socks, Japanese sweaters and Norwegian pullovers. Donna lives in a 150-year-old New England farmhouse with her husband, mother and three cats, who all help her test the usability and comfort of her finished knitted items.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(82 reviews)

Great Toe Up Sock Class

by Catmyst on February 26, 2015

Donna is the next best thing to a teacher right beside me.

Donna is the next best thing to a teacher right beside me.

Sock Knitting Toe Up

by heidi.mas6428259 on February 26, 2015

Excellent info! Fun to watch!!

Excellent info! Fun to watch!!

I Am Sold On Online Classes

by 7roses on February 24, 2015

The thing for me is to be able to rewind and review a problem ... Plus I can watch these videos anytime during the day.. Even in my pj's.. Love the flexibility...

The thing for me is to be able to rewind and review a problem ... Plus I can watch these videos anytime during the day.. Even in my pj's.. Love the flexibility...

Easy to follow

by LRHorn on February 19, 2015

Donna makes everything very clear and easy to understand, while covering every detail thoroughly. On top of that, she has such a pleasant manner that I just enjoy listening to her.

Donna makes everything very clear and easy to understand, while covering every detail thoroughly. On top of that, she has such a pleasant manner that I just enjoy listening to her.

A Great Class

by Teachaway on February 13, 2015

This class has been wonderful for me and I want to congratulate Donna Druchunas for her excellent instruction. The classes are thorough and the printed materials are very good. I have especially appreciated the flexibility of patterns. With this class you can expect to be able to do any kind of sock you may choose to do. The three separate choices of toe and the choices of heel also have taught me a lot about sock knitting. A beginner sock knitter can easily take this class. I am a ...

This class has been wonderful for me and I want to congratulate Donna Druchunas for her excellent instruction. The classes are thorough and the printed materials are very good. I have especially appreciated the flexibility of patterns. With this class you can expect to be able to do any kind of sock you may choose to do. The three separate choices of toe and the choices of heel also have taught me a lot about sock knitting. A beginner sock knitter can easily take this class. I am a beginner sock knitter. I took one class at a local knit shop and it was good, but, unfortunately, I found I needed much more than a few classes. Donna took me step by step. I have made several pair of socks now and I have really liked being able to come back to this class to pick up additional instruction and knitting tips. Every time I come back I learn something else making me an even more expert sock knitter. At first, I thought the class went too slow because I just wanted to get to the sock knitting, but the background information, additional comments and instruction Donna gave were very helpful to my learning.